Gera EthiopIA

You might think you’re a kite in endless flight.

This year, we will explore three different regions of Ethiopia; Agaro, Sidamo, and Yirgacheffe. It becomes clear that the diversity of potential flavors in coffee and Ethiopian culture mirror each others unique complexity. Regional distinction is upheld by replanting seedlings from the same plants that continue to flourish in a given region, helping to define the taste of an area. This native selection of localized replanting makes each region distinctly different than neighboring areas. With 1000’s of varietal differences that have wildly grown throughout Ethiopia, the potential for distinction lies in the ability to separate and process specific micro-regions. 

I am pleased to welcome back Nano Genji for the second year in a row. In 2019, Nano Genji opened a few miles away from it’s sister station Nano Challa to help with the demand in Agaro Gera through the Kata Muduga Union. Outfitted with brand new Penagos equipment along with dozens of drying beds to accommodate their growing membership, the 630 members between the two washing stations are looking forward to continued growth and success. 

Kata Muduga was founded in 2015, to link together cooperatives in the Jimma zone and provide marketing and administrative services. The name Kata Muduga represents "Birth Place of Coffee Arabica”, which is thought to be due west of Agaro by 10  and 45 km from Jimma. It’s the continuation of an ecosystem that has forever been a home to one of the worlds favorite plants. The timely movement of coffee after being harvested is essential to preserving quality, so the Union acts as a sales agent in exporting coffees on the behalf each cooperatives. However, Kata Muduga doesn't take position on the coffees and sells them under its own name but rather acts as a sales agent. 5% transportation cost, 5% operational costs for the union itself, the farmers receive an amazing 90% of the selling price making Kata Muduga so desirable to work with.

Nano Genji coffees grow between 1900-2200 masl and are as elegant as they come. A playful acidity bounces raspberry and mandarin through an orchard of flowering fruit trees. With softness that has a shine like a fragrant ripe pear that has held it's crispness, it’s matched with a lively spice and sweetness like a candied ginger and canned peaches. This refreshing coffee leaves you floating like a cloud of oolong tea as the fruited delicacies flutter by in the floraled air.   

Photos by Red Fox

NAno Genji Ethiopia

  • Origin - Ethiopia

  • Zone - Jimma

  • Region - Agaro

  • Woreda - Gomma

  • Union - Kata Muduga

  • Washing Station - Nano Genji

  • Altitude - 1900-2200 masl

  • Variety - Native Selection

  • Experience - You might think you’re a kite in endless flight.